The Governess of Highland Hall: A Novel

by Carrie Turansky

  William sat at his desk in the corner with ledgers and stacks of papers spread out around him. He turned toward her, a brooding frown creasing his forehead.

  “I’m sorry to disturb you. I was just looking for my book.”

  He sighed and shifted in his chair. “It’s all right. I’m glad for an interruption.”

  “You don’t look very glad.” She approached his desk. “What is it, William? What’s wrong?”

  He motioned toward the papers on his desk. “I never expected running the estate would be this difficult.”

  She placed her hand on his shoulder. “I’m sure you’ll do wonderfully. Just give yourself time to learn what’s needed.”

  “But that’s the problem. I only have until March—at the latest—to straighten out the financial situation and pay the death duties. And then there are the issues with the tenant farmers.”

  “What issues?”

  “McTavish says two of them are behind on their rent, one because of a health issue, and the other because of laziness or mismanagement. I must decide if we should extend the grace period or ask them to leave.”

  “I see.”

  “And Lawrence wants to hire a hall boy and add more kitchen staff, and then there are the repairs to the house and other buildings.”

  “That is a lot to consider, but you did an excellent job managing our family business in London after father’s death. I’m sure you’ll do just as well with Highland.”

  His worried expression remained unchanged. “If only I’d had more time with Cousin Randolph. Or if I could find someone who was skilled in land management to discuss these matters with me.”

  Sarah bit her lip. Randolph’s death had been quite unexpected. He’d become ill following a hunting trip to Scotland and died a week later. His sudden passing had been a shock to his daughters as well as to William and Sarah. “I wish I could be of more help, but I know nothing about finances or running an estate.”

  He reached for her hand, his frown easing. “Please don’t worry. The last thing I want to do is trouble you with all of this.”

  Sarah sent him a tender smile. “I’ll pray you find someone to encourage you and help you sort things out.”

  He rose and leaned closer to kiss her forehead. “You’re very kind. And I appreciate the thought, but I’m not sure who it would be.”

  “I’m not sure either. But the Lord can provide what’s needed if we trust Him.”

  William looked back at his desk, doubt shadowing his eyes again. “Yes, I suppose He can, though there is no guarantee He will.”

  Sarah’s heart ached as she studied William’s troubled expression. The losses and sorrow her brother had suffered the last few years had challenged his faith. He continued to attend church, lead the family in prayer and Scripture reading each morning, and pray at meals, but she sensed he struggled to believe God truly cared and would intervene on his behalf.

  Well, she would offer sincere prayers that God would meet her brother’s needs, and do so in a way that would help him believe again.

  Julia descended the main stairway, pausing on the landing to examine the large painting that hung on the wall. The size alone made it remarkable, but the subject was even more impressive. A regal-looking knight in a heavy suit of armor rode a handsome white horse. The details, especially those of the horse, captured her attention. Such power and beauty.

  “That’s King Charles I. Painted by Van Dyck in 1633.” William did not look the least bit pleased as he mounted the steps and joined her on the landing.

  “You don’t care for the painting?”

  “Oh, it’s fine. Very nice actually.” He frowned slightly as he surveyed the king’s portrait. “I was just contemplating its value.”

  Julia smiled. “I’m not sure why that would displease you. Van Dyck is a well-known artist. It must be worth a great deal.”

  “I’m sure it is.” The defeat in his voice surprised her.

  She shifted her gaze from the painting to William. The painful look in his eyes stirred her heart. It wasn’t her place to do so, but she couldn’t help asking a question. “Is something troubling you, sir?”

  “It’s nothing.” He looked away.

  But she couldn’t ignore his weary, troubled expression. “I’m sorry, sir, but I don’t believe that’s true.” She waited a moment more, then gently added, “If you choose to tell me, you can be certain I’ll keep it in confidence.”

  “I don’t want to burden you with my family’s problems.”

  “It’s never a burden to listen to a friend.”

  He studied her. “So we’re to be friends now?”

  Her cheeks warmed. “I hope we will be.” She checked his expression, hoping she had not offended him.

  His gaze was steady and unreadable, but he didn’t reproach her.

  “When burdens are shared, they grow lighter,” she said with a slight smile.

  “Is that from Proverbs?”

  “No, it’s something my father often says.”

  William gave a slight nod, his expression easing. “He sounds like a wise man.”

  “He is, sir, very wise indeed.”

  William glanced around, looking as though he wanted to say more. “Come with me.”

  Her heartbeat quickened as she followed him down the stairs, across the great hall, and into the library.

  “Please.” He motioned to a chair, and she took a seat. He walked to the fireplace and turned toward her. “I’m facing some very difficult choices concerning the future of Highland.” The muscles in his jaw tensed and rippled.

  “Go on, sir.”

  “I never expected to inherit this estate. We all thought when my cousin Randolph passed away that it would go to my elder brother, Nathaniel, but he died unexpectedly in a carriage accident two years ago.”

  Julia’s heart clenched. “How terrible. I’m so sorry.” William had lost his wife and his brother within a year of each other.

  “Thank you.” William looked away and cleared his throat. “When Randolph died and I learned I would inherit Highland, I was told the estate was burdened by financial difficulties. But I didn’t realize how serious they were.”

  Julia nodded, encouraging him to go on.

  “That is only part of the problem. The house and grounds are in dire need of repairs.” His pensive expression deepened into his familiar frown. “Then there is the matter of the death duties.”

  “I’m sorry, sir. I’m not familiar with that term.”

  “They’re taxes assessed on inherited property.”

  Julia nodded and clasped her hands in her lap. “Are you considering selling the painting to pay off the debts and expenses?”

  “I wish it were that easy. I’m afraid the sale of the painting would only bring in a portion of what’s needed.”

  “I see.”

  “The truth is, I’m not sure how I’m going to pay for it all.” He huffed and turned away. “I’m sorry. I’m not sure why I’m telling you this.”

  His honesty and vulnerability warmed her heart. “I’m honored that you would.”

  He turned back, his gaze intense again. “I’ve sought the advice of my solicitor as well as McTavish, and neither of them have an answer to the problem.”

  “It does sound like a challenging situation.”

  He sighed and lowered himself into the chair opposite her. “Yes, challenging is putting it mildly.”

  “Have you prayed about it and asked for guidance and provision?”

  Surprise registered in William’s eyes. “Do you think God cares about such matters?”

  “Of course. He cares about every concern we carry on our hearts.”

  “Yes, I suppose prayer wouldn’t hurt, especially since so many people’s jobs are at stake if we must sell Highland.”

  “Do you believe it would really come to that?”

  “I’m afraid it’s a very real possibility if I can’t find another answer.”

  The desire to help Sir William
burned in her heart as a prayer formed in her mind. Surely, Lord, You have a solution for this problem, or at least some wisdom or encouragement I could share to ease his troubles and give him a bit of hope.

  “Miss Foster?”

  She glanced back at him. “Yes?”

  “I must find another way to raise the funds we need.”

  She nodded. “I have an idea. Perhaps it’s from the Lord, or perhaps it’s from my own upbringing.”

  “What is it?”

  She hesitated. Would Sir William welcome her input when it would take her across the boundaries of power and position that separated them? Her desire to help him pushed her fears aside, and she lifted her gaze to meet his. “When our family lived in India, I learned a great deal about managing our household and the clinic with efficiency and economy.”

  He nodded. “Please, go on.”

  “Perhaps I could assist Miss Ramsey in her duties as mistress of the house, and together we could find ways to reduce your expenses.”

  He sat back and sighed. “I’m afraid my sister is mistress in name only. Mrs. Emmitt and Lawrence run the house as they did for my late cousin, since he was a widower.”

  Julia’s thoughts traveled back to the day in the garden when she’d first seen Sarah’s crippled hand. But that didn’t seem like reason enough to prevent her from stepping into the role as mistress of Highland. “Miss Ramsey is an intelligent and capable person. Surely she could take on those duties.”

  “My sister has many fine qualities, but our parents … did not encourage her. Mother didn’t expect her to marry or run a household, so she never taught her those skills. Now she lacks confidence and feels she’s unqualified.”

  “Is she aware of your financial troubles?”

  “Yes. I spoke with her earlier today, though I hate to trouble her.”

  Julia thought for a moment, then looked up. “What if I helped her learn the skills she needs to move into her position as mistress? Overseeing purchasing and planning menus with simplicity and thrift could save you a significant amount of money over time, especially with a house and staff this large.”

  He thought about it for a moment, then nodded. “It’s a place to begin.”

  “Yes sir. It is.” She met his gaze with a slight smile, then sat quietly, considering another idea. “Perhaps contacting an art dealer to appraise your paintings would also be wise. Then you will be able to judge whether selling some of them is the best course of action.”

  William nodded. “Yes, we must consider all our assets as well as doing what we can to run Highland efficiently.”

  “Very good, sir. I believe you are on the right path.”

  He stood and extended his hand to her, his gaze warming. “Thank you, Miss Foster.”

  Her heartbeat fluttered. She took his hand and rose from her chair. “I’m happy to be of service.”

  His gaze settled on her while her pulse raced. She broke eye contact and slipped her hand from his. Foolish girl! You must not let yourself think you read anything except gratitude in his eyes.

  EIGHT

  Sarah took Julia’s arm as they descended the main staircase, then leaned close enough to whisper in her ear. “I’m not sure I’ll be able to face Mrs. Emmitt. She’s so stern.”

  Julia smiled and patted her hand. “You’ll do fine. I’m sure of it. Just remember the points we discussed.”

  Julia’s encouragement helped, but even so, Sarah couldn’t still the tremor traveling through her. She disliked confrontation and tried to avoid it wherever possible. It reminded her too much of growing up in a home where her father displayed a fiery temper whenever he was challenged, and her mother showed her disapproval with critical words.

  Sarah bit her lip. “I’m afraid Mrs. Emmitt won’t be pleased to hear what I have to say.”

  “Of course not. She’s been in charge since Katherine and Penelope’s mother died, and she hasn’t had to answer to anyone.”

  “I imagine she’ll turn several shades of purple when I ask to look over the household accounts and adjust the menus.”

  “Perhaps, but you are her employer. She must listen to what you say and learn to work under your supervision.”

  They reached the bottom step, and Sarah looked across the great hall to the painting of Lady Eden Ramsey, the last mistress of Highland. Lady Eden’s deep brown eyes and the confident tilt of her chin made her look so elegant and self-assured. Sarah released a soft sigh. How could she ever step into her predecessor’s shoes? Even challenging the housekeeper about her duties made her tremble to her toes.

  Sarah tucked her withered arm into the folds of her skirt and turned to Julia. “Mrs. Emmitt knows much more about running Highland than I do.”

  “That may be true now, but you can learn what’s needed, and I promise I will be at your side each step of the way.”

  Sarah’s throat tightened. “Thank you, Julia. I appreciate it so much. I feel more confident with you here to guide me.”

  “I’m glad to help.”

  “I’ve never had a sister, but if I did, I hope she would be very much like you.”

  Julia smiled, her blue eyes glowing. “That’s a sweet sentiment. I’ve also wished for a sister.”

  “You have a brother, don’t you?”

  “Yes, Jonathan and I have always been close, but I believe the relationship between sisters is quite different from that of a brother and sister.”

  “Yes, I suppose that’s true. But I adore my brothers. I don’t see my younger brother, David, as often as I would like. He’s very busy with his business in London. I’m closer to William. He has always been so thoughtful and kind. He never makes me feel like a burden.”

  “You could never be a burden, not to Sir William or anyone else.”

  Sarah’s heart warmed, and comfort flowed through her. “You’re just as kind as he is.”

  The butler and footman stood near the front door. Lawrence addressed the younger man in hushed tones, then crossed the hall toward Sarah and Julia. “May I help you, Miss Ramsey?”

  She glanced at Julia, then straightened. “Yes, Lawrence. Will you please ask Mrs. Emmitt to meet us in the drawing room?”

  His dark eyebrows rose slightly. “Is there something I can help you with?”

  “No, thank you. I’d like to speak to Mrs. Emmitt.”

  He nodded and strode off.

  Sarah clutched Julia’s hand. “I’m so glad you’re with me. That took all my courage.”

  “You did very well.” Julia sent her a confident smile. “You’ll be a fine mistress for Highland.”

  Julia took a sip of tea and glanced around the drawing room while Sarah and Mrs. Emmitt continued discussing changes to the menu. So far the housekeeper hadn’t expressed resistance to the changes, but her heightened color and grim expression made her true feelings clear.

  Sarah set her teacup aside. “I’d like to work with you to plan the menu for the servants and the family each week. I also want to review the items you’d like to purchase before the orders are made.”

  “But I’ve always seen to the purchasing and menus.” Mrs. Emmitt pulled her handkerchief from her sleeve and dabbed her nose. “I know the dishes the young ladies like, and I also know what Chef Lagarde needs for his recipes.”

  “I understand, but we want to use more produce, fish, and game from our own land, and that will require changing the menus.”

  Mrs. Emmitt puckered her lips as though she’d been sucking on a tart lemon. “So we’re to eat like poor tenant farmers, then?”

  “No.” Sarah glanced at Julia.

  Julia smiled and gave a slight nod, urging her on.

  “We simply want to be more economical with our food purchases and meal planning.”

  “Chef Lagarde is not going to like these changes. And I’m the one who has to deal with him.”

  “I understand it may be difficult for a time, but Sir William and I would like to live more simply. Times are changing, and we must change with them. We see n
o need for six-course dinners with four types of wine.” Sarah shifted in her seat. “In fact, we see no need for wine at all.”

  Mrs. Emmitt’s eyes grew as round as two boiled eggs. “You’re doing away with the wine?”

  Sarah nodded. “We’d like to be served Highland’s own cider and water with our dinner. Sir William won’t be taking brandy after dinner either, or any other alcohol. There’s no need for it.”

  “Are you quite sure?”

  Sarah nodded. “Yes, so please tell Lawrence he’s not to make any more purchases for the wine cellar until he checks with Sir William.”

  Mrs. Emmitt stared at Sarah in stunned silence.

  “Do you understand?”

  The housekeeper closed her eyes and looked as though she were swallowing a bitter pill. “Very well. I’ll speak to Mr. Lawrence and express your wishes to Chef Lagarde.”

  “We … I mean, I can speak to him if you like.”

  “No, miss. That won’t be necessary. I’ll tell him.”

  “Very good. After you’ve spoken to Chef Lagarde, we can meet again to discuss next week’s menu.”

  “Yes, miss.”

  Victory flashed in Sarah’s eyes. “Thank you, Mrs. Emmitt.”

  The housekeeper stood and shifted her stern gaze to Julia. Her silent message was as clear as the spiteful look on her face. You are responsible for this, and I won’t let it pass.

  Julia pressed her lips together and looked away.

  Sarah smiled at the housekeeper. “Thank you for taking time to meet with us.”

  Mrs. Emmitt gave a stiff nod. “Of course.” She stood and left the room.

  Sarah watched her go, then turned to Julia with a bright smile. “We’ve won our first battle.”

  Julia laughed softly and rose from her chair. She gave Sarah’s hand a squeeze. “You did an excellent job.” She opened the drawing room door, and they walked out together.

  “I thought she would eat me alive when I said there’d be no wine at dinner.”

  “She was quite shocked.”

  Sarah mimicked Mrs. Emmitt’s startled expression, and both of them broke out in laughter again.

  Lydia came around the corner, carrying a neatly folded pile of linens, and almost ran into Sarah. Her eyes widened, and she bobbed a brief curtsy. “I’m so sorry, miss. I didn’t expect to—”